Saturday, November 6, 2010

BY WHAT AUTHORITY?

SCRIPTURE

Luke 20:1-8 (NRSV)

Jesus' teaching authority

One day, as he was teaching the people in the temple and telling the good news, the chief priests and the scribes came with the elders and said to him, "Tell us, by what authority are you doing these things? Who is it who gave you this authority?" He answered them, "I will also ask you a question, and you tell me: Did the baptism of John come from heaven, or was it of human origin?" They discussed it with one another, saying, "If we say, 'From heaven,' he will say, 'Why did you not believe him?' But if we say, 'Of human origin,' all the people will stone us; for they are convinced that John was a prophet." So they answered that they did not know where it came from. Then Jesus said to them, "Neither will I tell you by what authority I am doing these things."

DEVOTION--Today is Saturday Psalmody; the mediation is offered as a psalm from my heart! If you would like a more traditional devotion, please search the archives for a title that appeals to you! (smile)

BY WHAT AUTHORITY

I guess I don't

understand

why I need your permission

to tell the good news

to those who need to hear it?

By what authority?

Should it be by your authority?

By that in Rome?

By priests and scribes and teachers?

Or can it simply be by

I AM'S AUTHORITY

May I proclaim good news

because he sent me

empowered me

equipped me

prepared me

and commissioned me

to read good news

preach good news

and BE good news

on this planet?

You can't even answer simple

questions

Why do you dare ask me

complex ones

I need no earthly authority

I am the only authority

that truly exists

I will not tell you

a thing!

INVITATION

If you have questions about how to become a friend and follower of Jesus, please see the devotion entitled, “Come to Jesus” @ http://bit.ly/JVhaLta